Trump publicly pressures Israel’s president over Netanyahu pardon

Trump publicly pressures Israel’s president over Netanyahu pardon

• Trump criticized Israel's president for not pardoning Netanyahu
• Israel: Trump's remarks interfere in legal process, say officials
• Herzog's office stressed pardon decision will follow Israeli law

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US President Donald Trump has ignited controversy in Israel after sharply criticising President Isaac Herzog for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial in a long-running corruption case.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called Herzog “disgraceful” and said Israelis should “shame him” for not letting Netanyahu “off the hook.” The remarks were unusually blunt, even by Trump’s standards, and were widely seen in Israel as direct interference in the country’s internal legal process.

The comments struck a nerve in a country already deeply divided over Netanyahu’s trial, the New York Times reported.

A rare public rift

Israel’s presidency is largely ceremonial, but one of the few substantive powers the office holds is the authority to grant pardons. Netanyahu, who has been on trial for five years on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, submitted a formal request for a pre-emptive pardon late last year. He denies all wrongdoing and has described the trial as a political witch hunt.

Herzog has not yet ruled on the request. His office issued a statement after Trump’s comments emphasizing that the matter remains under review by the Justice Ministry. The statement also stressed that any decision would be made “in accordance with the law” and without “external or internal pressures.”

The line was pointed. It underscored that Israel, despite its close alliance with the United States, views itself as sovereign and governed by the rule of law.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations and a former Likud minister, said he respected Trump but expected him to “appreciate and respect our president.” He added that the criticism could have been delivered “in a different way.”

Political fallout and speculation

Trump’s remarks came a day after he met with Netanyahu at the White House, prompting speculation in Israel that the prime minister may have encouraged the public pressure campaign. Netanyahu’s aides denied that, saying he learned of the comments from the media.

This is not the first time Trump has raised the issue. During a visit to Israel in October, he publicly asked Herzog why he did not grant a pardon. He later sent a letter urging him to do so.

Many legal experts in Israel argue that a pre-emptive pardon, before a verdict is reached, would be extraordinary and could undermine the principle that all citizens are equal before the law. Traditionally, presidential pardons are granted after conviction.

Netanyahu’s trial has become one of the most polarising issues in Israeli politics. His supporters say he is being targeted by a hostile establishment. His critics argue that allowing him to escape judgment would damage Israeli democracy.

An ally’s intervention

Trump’s intervention places Herzog in a delicate position. While he has expressed appreciation for Trump’s support for Israel’s security, the president’s office made clear that decisions about pardons are an internal matter.

The public nature of the criticism has turned what might have been quiet diplomatic lobbying into a visible dispute. It has also forced Israelis to confront an uncomfortable question: how far should even the closest ally go in weighing in on domestic legal affairs?

For now, Herzog has not decided. But Trump’s stinging words have ensured that whatever choice he makes will carry even greater political weight.